Essaouira, a three-hour drive from Marrakesh, is a picturesque seaside escape to pair with the bustling pink city. Whitewashed and windswept, this former French-Portuguese port town is a charming enclave that retains its historic authenticity and laid-back lifestyle. Strategically located along Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, Essaouira has been an important trading hub for millennia — first home to Berbers who traded with the ancient Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and later to Portuguese explorers and merchants.

The modern-day city was developed in the 18th century, enlisting French architects and engineers — giving it a unique blend of Moroccan aesthetic with European military design elements. The city has long been known as a melting pot of cultures and peaceful religious coexistence. Today, Essaouira is celebrated for its fishing, artisan crafts, bohemian flair, and vibrant surfing scene.

Good To Know

  • Home to under 80,000 people, Essaouira is a little jewel that is perfect to visit over a long weekend. Two nights in town and two nights in the countryside provide a great mix of experiences.
  • With average temperatures ranging from 65-80 degrees throughout the year, Essaouira is an excellent destination to visit in any season. But you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds if you come in December before the holidays, or in January and February.
  • There is a small airport in Essaouira. At the time of publishing, it offers direct flights from France (Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux), London and Brussels. Otherwise, you can fly into Marrakech and commute by bus or car in around 3 hours.

What To See And Do

As a seaside destination, many people come to Essaouira for the sea and sun. Its nickname as the “Windy City” ensures ideal surf and kite surfing conditions — you can enjoy these activities at the southern end of the bay, farthest from the medina. Closer to town, comfortable sunbeds are set up for those who prefer to spend their time lounging on the beach.

In town, many souks, cafes and cultural heritage sites will keep you entertained. The 18th-century ramparts encircling the city are free to climb and boast dramatic ocean views. Historic cannons remain in place, adding to the city’s timeless allure. The Borj El Barmil fort at the Squala Port offers the best views of Essaouira’s picturesque town and bustling fish market — a great spot for photographers.

The Bayt Dakira is worth a quick visit to admire the historic synagogue, a nod to the city’s Jewish heritage. For dining, Mandala Society, a healthy bistro, serves international dishes like avocado toast and smoothie bowls, while Azouka Eatery, run by a Norwegian-Moroccan couple, offers an unmissable farm-to-table experience. This Scandi-styled bistro serves creative dishes like lentil kefta with ginger glaze and pickles, or goat cheese with pear, almond and beetroot. The menu changes frequently, and everything is served with a warm smile.

Where To Stay

Villa Maroc

Located beside the city’s ancient walls, Villa Maroc is a whimsical boutique hotel with Moroccan flair and a rooftop offering splendid sea views. Dating back to the 18th century, the property is considered the first riad-turned-hotel in Morocco and has made it onto Time’s list of Places to Visit Before You Die. First opened as a hostel for surfers in the late 1980s, it has since been converted into a refined boutique hotel with 21 rooms and suites, owned by the Swiss-Moroccan Ezzaher family.

Spread across four buildings, Villa Maroc is steeped in history and blends traditional art and décor with thoughtful touches. Inside you’ll find breezy courtyards, cozy nooks and plenty of spaces to lounge, read or play chess. The property includes the Oriental Spa with a hammam and three treatment rooms. The Oriental Delight treatment — a traditional black soap scrub with a kassa glove followed by an Argan oil massage — is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the medina.

Local cuisine is an integral part of the experience at Villa Maroc. An abundant breakfast is served outdoors on the rooftop terrace each morning, including Moroccan mint tea or coffee, homemade marmalades, seasonal fruits, and pastries — the Sfenj, a traditional fried donut, is to die for. In the evening, the rooftop transforms into a bar serving cocktails and local wines. Guests can also pre-order a three-course dinner menu that changes daily, with vegetarian options available. Dinner is served in intimate candlelit rooms, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Les Jardins de Villa Maroc

Located just a 15-minute drive from Essaouira, Les Jardins de Villa Maroc offers a countryside retreat perfect for relaxing by the pool. Surrounded by olive groves and Argan trees, it provides a welcome contrast to the cosmopolitan bustle of the medina.

Originally the Ezzaher family’s private home, the estate now features 11 domes inspired by traditional Berber Nualas — conical huts from southern Morocco. Built from sand, earth, and concrete, the domes are anti-seismic and naturally climate-controlled, keeping cool in summer and warm in winter. Their curved walls, cozy fireplaces, and stone floors make them feel like intimate cocoons, ideal for escaping Morocco’s relentless sunshine. The estate’s original villa includes three additional suites and is ideal for renting as a unit.

The focal point of Les Jardins is its expansive swimming pool and tranquil patio, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. The rich buffet lunch is a highlight, offering a dozen dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, emphasizing plant-based cuisine and local recipes. In the evening, a set menu can be prepared for guests who wish to dine on-site.

Day passes are available for non-guests, allowing them to swim, sunbathe, or practice yoga at the airy shala. Other activities include hiking, water sports (surfing and paddle boarding), golf, horseback riding, and birding.